Junior Members 2008

Friendly Game v Formby Legion ( 28th June 2008)

The Windmill Juniors enjoyed a fantastic afternoon's bowling and narrowly came out winners in competitive game which was still played in a friendly atmosphere.  The green was somewhat heavy, but speeded up through the afternoon.  After a good pub lunch inside the players everyone was fully hyped up to take on the opposition. Ciaran turned up to Captain the side and started with a Captain's innings to win a closely fought singles match.  Matthew and Ryan also posted strong wins with Ryan having the kitty-winning (if we had had one) performance of the day.   Tom had a strong opponent for his first competitive match and unfortunately lost, but then Emma, Chloe, and Alastair followed with good wins.  Chloe was especially courageous, having been extremely nervous before starting, but kept her nerve once on the green.  The tail end of Stuart, Cameron and Jack all unfortunately lost, but after the singles the Windmill were 7-4 up in games.  The doubles were a different story, with the Legion coming out 4-2 on top, with only Matthew & Ciaron and Tom & Ryan winning.

Overall though a great win with the Windmill winning 9 matches to the Legion's 8. Some of our less experienced bowlers should really take a bow as they played very well.  Jack Denning (aged only 6) has a great future in front of him and will be able to take on the best of them in another couple of years

Waterloo Competition

Ciaran and Matthew really enjoyed their experience at the Waterloo, despite the poor weather conditions.  Unfortunately it rained throughout the morning, but this did not stop our two bowlers putting on some great performances.  Matthew came away with the runners-up trophy in his age category and Ciaran won two of his three games.  Thanks need to go to Hilda Jones from the Lancashire CGBA who put a great deal of hard work into organising the event and for letting two of our bowlers attend.  Some pictures are set out below - click on the thumbnails to see the bigger pictures.  You can see how cold it was from all the thick coats!!

Matthew and Ciaran with their trophy and medals

Shevington Conservatives Match - Saturday 24th May 2008

This was a very tough opening fixture for an inexperienced Windmill side on a difficult away green.  The green was very fast and tricky and suited the home players.  Everyone did their best though.  The opening four found it tough against the best Shevington players, but all managed to get some points on the board.  The second four hauled a few more points in, with notable performances from Jonathan and Jack.  Everyone can be proud though with the way they played and the sporting nature of the way they lost, and this team will only improve.

'Top player' to help with coaching

Tim Hodge (pictured on the left of the picture), one of the top local players, came along to give all our new youngsters some tips on 17th May.  Hopefully Tim will come to more sessions and help with the coaching.

Bowling Tops

 The Club polo shirts are available in a range of sizes and we would encourage children to use these for any matches that are played.  They are good quality stitched tops and are available at only £5 while stocks last – prices will go up once these run out. 

 Junior Sessions now started - on every Saturday 

All young aspiring bowlers are welcome to come along and start practicing for the coming season.  Membership of the Club is free for those aged below 16, but there will be a small charge of £1 per session which will go to the Club to help pay for trophies and prizes for the children and for work on the green. Sessions will start at 10-30 and will finish around 11-45/12noon.  If the weather is poor and you want to check if a session is on please call Ian on 07813 577 328.

New West Lancashire Junior League?

With the Ormskirk & District Junior Bowling organisation being formed this year, we hope to start up a local junior mini league.  With the Halton Castle possibly starting a junior side this could be formed later this year.

Chorley League/ Friendlies

Enquiries have been made about us playing some friendly games against some of the Chorley League junior teams this year.  Further details to follow.  We also hope to have further friendlies against the Formby Legion, as that was a particularly successful game at the end of last season

Going to the Waterloo

The Waterloo Hotel in Blackpool is the Wembley of crown green bowls.  Hilda Jones, the Lancashire Secretary has booked the green for a special juniors competition on Saturday 21st June 2008.  The Windmill hopes to be able to take along some of our junior bowlers.  Please let Ian know if you are interested.

First Saturday Session for 2008

Details of when we are kicking (or rolling) off for the new 2008 season will be posted here as soon as we have decided.  This year membership of the club will continue to be free for juniors, but there will be a small £1 charge per child for the coaching sessions.